Miss Representation Film Viewing and Discussion

When:

February 28, 2012

Time:

07:30 PM - 08:30 PM

Category:

Cultural Events

Location:

Hanes Auditorium, Salem Fine Arts Center

Details:

Miss Representation exposes how mainstream media contributes to the under-representation of women in positions of power and influence in America. It challenges the media’s limited and often disparaging portrayals of women and girls, which make it difficult for women to achieve leadership positions and for the average woman to feel powerful herself. In a society where media is the most persuasive force shaping cultural norms, the collective message that our young women and men overwhelmingly receive is that a woman’s value and power lie in her youth, beauty and sexuality, and not in her capacity as a leader. Stories from teenage girls and provocative interviews with

politicians, journalists, entertainers, activists and academics, like Condoleezza Rice, Nancy Pelosi, Katie Couric, Rachel Maddow, Margaret Cho, Rosario Dawson and Gloria Steinem, build momentum as Miss Representation accumulates startling facts and statistics that will leave the audience shaken and armed with a new perspective. The documentary, written and directed by Jennifer Siebel, premiered at the 2011 Sundance Film Festival. Recommended for mature audiences.

In addition to the viewing, Salem students will participate in activities as part of the Salem Signature Women’s Leadership program, made possible by a grant from BB&T, through the Office of the Dean of Students.